Consider letting city keep extra tax income for more much-needed road work

Two years ago, Greeley voters approved the 0.65 percent sales tax to repair and improve our streets, bridges and concrete. Our business growth, new housing units and low unemployment helped generate almost $1 million more annually than our original estimates.

We cannot retain the additional monies or continue to invest it into our streets, bridges and concrete without the approval of the voters. In November 2017, the city will ask the voters if they desire to continue to devote the additional money to the exact same needs.

Between 2016 and 2017, the city has addressed the needs of 88 miles of Greeley's streets, bridges and concrete. We have started the expansion of 20th Street and the design of the 71st Avenue expansion. We have completed asphalt overlays, chip, seal and crack sealing, as well as patching. In fact, through 2017 we will patch more than 50,687 square yards of road — enough to cover eight football fields.

The city takes its direction from the voters. If the voters desire, the city can invest an additional $8 million into our streets, bridges and concrete through 2022. If the voters want to return to the lower spending program, there will be a cost. However, the city will solve the mechanics of any refunds as efficiently as possible.

But let's keep our eye on the prize. We are two years into the seven-year program that is "Keep Greeley Moving." Your city is making enormous progress. We are spending $12 million annually that helps address the $55 million backlog of existing road needs. The activity is obvious. Maintaining our infrastructure is one of our basic needs and ensures continual health of our community.

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Mayor Tom Norton, Greeley

Voters still have strong candidate for Colorado governor in Jared Polis

I recently read the Tribune Opinion "Ed Perlmutter's departure from governor's race raises troubling prospect" in which the editorial board laments the possibility of voters having to choose between two extremist type candidates in the 2018 gubernatorial election.

Fortunately, voters will have the choice of a strong independent leader in Jared Polis. Polis has consistently stood up for the business community in Colorado and has personal experience in the private sector as a successful self-made entrepreneur, and he has worked hard to ensure a quality education is available to all Coloradans.

I sometimes see Polis smeared as an "extreme leftist" due to a perception that he is opposed to the oil and gas industry. To be clear, Polis recognizes the importance of oil and gas to the Colorado economy. But due to his personal experience and hearing from concerned and affected constituents like my family, he also recognizes the real struggles Coloradans have living near a fracking operation.

In 2014, Polis fought to return control of oil and gas development to our local communities, where they belong. When placed near homes or schools, fracking operations cause noise and pollution, lower home values, and are linked to a multitude of health risks. Polis sees the need to balance the economic driver that is oil and gas with the needs of local communities. He is a strong leader known for working across the aisle and standing up for all Coloradans, and we would greatly benefit in having him as our next governor.